OFBD Forum April 2004 ~ Communication Comments

http://www.keysregion.org/surveyresults/surveyresults.htm

(This topic wasn’t offered on the survey, but one misc. comment is relevant.)

§ Very difficult to choose a focus – they are all tied together.  Also need to discuss effective ways to lead within our communities, to create larger dialogues, to create a cohesive plan in communicating the vision.

OFBD Forum 9/29/05 Communication Table Notes

as written on the tablecloth during café style conversations, in response to this vision/goals statement:

Communications/Media Vision: We envision a regional community where all citizens and organizations have access to a full range of communication tools and skills to support their well-being.

Goals to move us toward that vision:

a. Expand media outlets focused on the KEYS region.

b. Living and doing business in the KEYS region will be made easier and more cost effective because of the telecommunications infrastructure

c. Community life will be enhanced through increased use of technology by government, nonprofits, and other organizations, enabling citizens to participate more fully, and build new relationships.

d. Education resources will be made available across town borders to as many students and residents as possible

Table Notes (lines separate clusters of notes):

• Public Access Cable – get these contracts negotiated.
• Web start – then print version
• Donate old computers for internet access
• wifi public places – public/private collaboration
• Put computers in private business paid/subsidized by towns
• Gates Foundation
• Equal Access
• Public Access to computers/internet access
‘social networking’
interactive electronic publications
Drug stores are a community center – information like meals on wheels
Community Disconnected – look for ways still connected

• meals on wheels located far away
• communicate programs – newsletter not effective
• internet 1. web—content and links right 2. inform key people – govt., not for profit 3. push information
• non-profit video “commercials” on cable TV
information text based

• gas – less travel
• tech savvy
‘environmental community’

• Community
• schools - computers/students
• media
• help focus the area
• electronic publication (MidCoast ME has one)
• increase in age
• how to connect areas with news? i.e., KEYS and Augusta (state)
Media coverage Southern York County

• We need a newspaper for the KEYS region

• How to bridge the digital divide? Access for all….
• How to engage…
• Together – connected – shifting borders
• Round 1 – Communications
• On the mark.
• Saves/maximizes resources
Newspapers are expensive – virtual might be better.—Listserves

• Preservation - Diversity
• Town – WIFI access/get business to put nodes for free or some subsidy from the town
• get media online
• Kids don’t read newspapers
• interactive – post own stuff
• households don’t have computers – don’t forget
Make goal that every family have access to computer

• TV channels should provide info for seniors